Class 5A State Baseball and Softball Preview Capsules

When: Best-of-three series begins with single game Friday at 4 p.m.; Saturday doubleheader is scheduled for 10 a.m.

Breakdown: This will be a tough series for the Trojans. The Matadors are a powerhouse program, one that holds a 13-1 record at home. Mayfield, on the other hand, recorded a 6-6 record in District 3-5A this year, while getting swept in their final two games of league play against Alamogordo. These two clubs met earlier this season in Las Cruces, with Sandia winning 12-0 and then 12-8 at Field of Dreams.

Class 4A

No. 13 Valencia at No. 4 Santa Teresa

When: Best-of-three series begins with single game Friday at 4 p.m.; Saturday doubleheader is scheduled for 11 a.m.

Breakdown: The Desert Warriors have a good team, winning District 3-4A this year with a 10-2 mark in league play, and finishing with over 20 total wins total in 2013. Last year, Santa Teresa was a state playoff team as well, as a No. 11 seed. While there is some question about the quality of competition in District 3-4A this year, the Desert Warriors find themselves in a good spot at the outset of the postseason - as a No. 4 seed, with a home game against a No. 13.

No. 14 Centennial at No. 3 Farmington

When: Best-of-three series begins with single game Friday at 4 p.m.; Saturday doubleheader is scheduled for 10 a.m.

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Breakdown: Kudos to Centennial for reaching the state playoffs in it's inaugural season on the high school baseball field. Now, they get a chief test against a Farmington team with a ton of history. Meanwhile, the Hawks are a young club entering uncharted waters, with zero seniors on their roster. The one thing Centennial has going for it is head coach Rusty Evans, who coached before at Farmington and Piedra Vista. In other words, he should be familiar with the opposing team, players and atmosphere heading into the postseason play.

Softball

Class 5A

No. 10 Oñate at No. 7 Albuquerque High

When: Single-elimination game scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m.

Breakdown: The Knights couldn't have asked for a better draw as a No. 10 seed, traveling north to face an Albuquerque High team that Oñate already defeated 14-3 earlier this season. The Knights have an underrated team that can really hit. The key will be OHS's ability in the circle and defensively. If they can hold their own in those areas, an upset could follow.

No. 15 Mayfield at No. 2 Carlsbad

When: Single-elimination game scheduled for Friday at 1 p.m.

Breakdown: The Trojans could find a way to hang in this game and have a a chance late in the contest, which really isn't a bad scenario for a No. 15 seed. Mayfield's been hit or miss this year, and Carlsbad at home in the playoffs is always a tall order in regards to the underdog's chances at victory.

Class 4A

No. 10 Centennial at No. 7 Bernalillo

When: Single-elimination game scheduled for Friday at 5 p.m.

Breakdown: Centennial got little respect in this year's bracket, winning District 3-4A only to get stuck with an away game at Bernalillo. Granted, the Hawks district was far from impressive this year, and simply reaching the state playoffs in their inaugural year is quite the accomplishment. Can they make some noise once they get there? We'll find out today.